Monday, 29 December 2008

Duke Kahanamoku. Sydney Sandstone part 18 (repost)

I'm away on holidays enjoying myself at the beach. I'm therefore re-posting some sandstone photos I've used previously, some more than two years ago....

Sculpture of surfing legend, Hawaiian Duke Kahanamoku.

He is credited with popularising surfboard riding in Australia when he demonstrated his skills at Freshwater Beach in December 1914.

The statue was unveiled by his widow Mrs Duke Paoa Kahanamoku (Nadine) on Australia Day, Wednesday January 26, 1994.

There's a walk around the headland with mosaic tributes to the many Australian men and women who have since been world surfing champions. The plaque at the site adds "It is hoped that this Park and the men and women it honours, will help to fulfil Duke's dream of surfboard riding becoming an Olympic sport." There's more pictures of the Duke here.